- Question by: Graham Tope
- Meeting date: 12 January 2005
I am trying to make the point that we had no particular problem with the invitation to or the visit of Dr al-Qaradawi; indeed, I remember saying in this Chamber that he was a respected Islamic scholar for many Muslims, and the sort of person we should be talking to, without indicating we agree with his views. Do you accept that it will be easier to explain and defend this invitation if it is actually part of a programme, or at least not out of the ordinary to have people here for debate and for a robust exchange of views...